Habs Daily: Demidov’s Increased Scoring, Bergqvist WJC, Laine

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Wednesday.

Montreal Canadiens News

Top prospect Ivan Demidov scored a goal in SKA’s 6-5 loss to CSKA. It marked the third game in a row in which Demidov found the back of the net (3G, 1A). The uptick in scoring coincides with an increase in ice time, which brings us back to the never-ending problem in the KHL. Demidov is usually rewarded for his strong play with less ice time, not more. For what it’s worth, Demidov was used as a fourth-line winger on Wednesday.

SKA mentioned they wouldn’t mind hanging onto Demidov for another season, which would allow him to reach the NHL with a heavy dose of experience under his belt. While that’s a great sales pitch in theory, the Habs can’t afford to leave his development up to another organization, especially given his current usage.

ELITE SNIPER IVAN DEMIDOV pic.twitter.com/jUHHojtGtC

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 25, 2024

It’s also worth noting Demidov was named the rookie of the week in the KHL.

Ivan Demidov in his last three games:

– 3 goals
– 1 assist
– Averaging 13.44 mins per game
– KHL Rookie of the Week

He now has 9G & 15A for 24P in 37GP. pic.twitter.com/7bU4OtARl8

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 25, 2024

Merry Christmas from the Xhekaj family!

My heart is full ❤️
We wish everyone very happy, healthy holidays and successful New Year 2025.
XHEKAJ family 🥰 pic.twitter.com/yNwSFW51SA

— Simona Xhekaj (@SimonaXhekaj) December 25, 2024

ICYMI:According to Renaud Lavoie, the Columbus Blue Jackets were targeting Patrik Laine’s shoulder on Monday night. The Blue Jackets were upset that Laine said he was tired of losing, and that it seemed like the team would give up by December.

The team’s general manager also suggested the team accepted losing way too easily, but that didn’t stop Zach Werenski from reacting to the comments with hostility. Truth be told, Werenski’s reaction was not surprising, and we shouldn’t expect Laine to lie about his time with the Blue Jackets. The entire story has taken on a life of its own, evolving into a mountain from its birth as a mere molehill. [Patrik Laine Drama: Blue Jackets Reportedly Targeted Shoulder]

Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Ivan Demidov won’t be able to represent his country at the World Junior Championship which gets underway later today in Ottawa. Aatos Koivu was left off Finland’s roster, which means the tournament will only feature one Canadiens prospect, Rasmus Bergqvist.

Bergqvist has just one assist in 21 SHL games this season, but the defenceman scored in back-to-back games for Sweden in pre-tournament warm up games.

L’espoir des Canadiens Rasmus Bergqvist déjoue Jack Ivankovic et c’est 2-1 pour la Suède ! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/xjXphy0YAm

— RDS (@RDSca) December 22, 2024

Sweden will open the tournament at noon versus Slovakia, followed by the USA versus Germany at 2:30 pm ET, Switzerland versus Czechia at 5 pm ET, and finally Canada versus Finland at 7:30 pm ET. The marquee round-robin game between the USA and Canada will one again take place at 7:30 pm ET, on New Year’s Eve.  [World Juniors Schedule]